15+ Sensational Things To Do In Philadelphia This Week, January 8-15

This week in Philadelphia, the weather is going to warm up (relatively), just in time for a bevy of exciting events to go down.

This week in the City of Brotherly Love, look forward to a giant ice bar popping up at La Peg, a 10-day, citywide celebration of David Bowie, the kick off of the super-popular Center City District Restaurant Week, a gigantic beer festival, the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs at Lincoln Financial Field and more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also coming up, bringing plenty of service opportunities and celebratory programming to commemorate King’s legacy during the extended holiday weekend.

Speaking of which, we’ll be celebrating the extended weekend as well, so we’re including Monday, January 15 in this week’s edition of Picks of the Week. We’ll be back on Tuesday with a guide to next week in Philly.

The seasonal fun continues at City Hall, where Dilworth Park has been transformed into a true winter wonderland offering chances to explore (America's Garden Capital Maze) and ice skate in the shadow of City Hall (Rothman Institute Ice Rink). For those looking to hang out inside, the Rothman Institute Cabin is a great spot to warm up and enjoy winter treats. Ongoing special events continue this week, including the Tuesday evening Game Night and the Friday evening Karaoke Night.

Dilworth Park Wintergarden at City Hall

The popular Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest continues to bring the waterfront alive with a chalet-style Lodge Restaurant and Bar, hearty fare from Garces Group and Chickie's & Pete's, sweets from Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin and a regulation skating rink with a spectacular view of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Visitors should save the date for Saturday when Winterfest hosts A Snowy Bowie Skate featuring an afternoon of David Bowie-themed fun, including a screening of Labyrinth in the lodge and a soundtrack of Bowie tunes for skaters to enjoy on the rink.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

The free, outdoor Winter Fountains exhibition illuminates the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this winter with a stunning nighttime display of surreal, glowing videos projected on to four large domes. The dazzling works — inspired by the Parkway's grand fountains — are a centerpiece exhibition of Parkway 100, the city's 14-month celebration commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the avenue's groundbreaking.

Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Few cities celebrate David Bowie like the City of Brotherly Love, where a 10-day celebration is underway in honor of the late rock legend. Events this week include a Bowie karaoke night at Johnny Brenda’s on Monday, a Bowie burlesque and cabaret show at Franky Bradley’s on Thursday and much, much more.

The Victor Hugo-by-way-of-Broadway musical smash Les Misérables brings the spirit of the French Revolution to the Academy of Music. Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, the production stands as the world's most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere as it carries out its 32nd year.

Broadway Philadelphia’s Les Misérables at the Academy of Music

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual winter festival kicks off this week, which this year takes audiences on a trip overseas to the British Isles. Performances will unfold Thursday through Saturday and include selections from MacMillan’s A Scotch Bestiary, Handel’s Water Music and Britten’s evocative Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes.

The Philadelphia Orchestra: The British Isles Festival Week

Discover the story of Cuban music at the Merriam Theater with Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, an orchestra delivering lively Cuban beats. Each performance brings an insight into Cuba’s rich musical history and the multiple musical genres it encompasses.

Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars at Merriam Theater

The L.A. dance project makes its Philly debut this week with two days of shows at the Annenberg Center. The collective, founded by Paris Opera Ballet director and former New York City Ballet principal Benjamin Millepied, brings an eclectic, contemporary-style performance to the stage.

L.A. Dance Project at the Annenberg Center

It’s all about the beer at the fourth annual Big Philly Beerfest. Spread over two nights, this crowd-pleasing event celebrates more than 125 breweries and a ton of craft beer varieties. Another bonus: Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Partners.

Big Philly Beerfest

The upcoming extended weekend holds plenty to do, including special events of all sorts to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. and special admission deals at area museums. Click the button below to learn about all of our top picks for MLK Day weekend.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend In Philadelphia

When:January 12-15

Where:Various locations including The African American Museum, 701 Arch Street

Looking for advice and inspiration on how to make your home the best and most beautiful it can be? Join 50,000 of your fellow homeowners at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the Philadelphia Home Show and take advantage of the hundreds of exhibitors and experts who will be on hand to help. Celebrity guests at the massive show this year include New York designer Tyler Wisler and Kevin O'Connor, the host of the award-winning PBS series This Old House and Ask This Old House.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s Tiny Titans exhibition, featuring real dino eggs and nests from around the world, comes to a close on Monday, January 15. That coincides with the attraction's Dinosaur Days event (January 13-15), featuring an egg-dropping competition and opportunities to meet live reptiles.

Dinosaur Days Featuring Tiny Titans Closing Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences

When:Tiny Titans: Through Monday, January 15Dinosaur Days: January 13-15

Eastern State Penitentiary honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special readings of King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" three times a day (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) from January 13 to 15. An informal question-and-answer session moderated by a civil rights scholar will follow each reading, and on Monday, January 15, children ages 7 to 12 can create artwork in response to the letter. The events are free and open to the public.

One of the indisputable highlights of the Museum of the American Revolution, George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters tent will soon be complemented by a new, special exhibition featuring a 235-year-old, seven-foot panoramic painting. The watercolor depicts a 1782 Continental Army encampment and contains the only known wartime depiction of Washington’s headquarters tent, amidst hundreds of other military tents spread out across the lower Hudson Valley. The special exhibition will also bring together other works of art, weapons and artifacts from the Revolutionary War to explore the history surrounding the newly discovered painting.

Among His Troops: Washington’s War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor at the Museum of the American Revolution

Men’s College Basketball: Temple vs. Memphis at the Liacouras Center

Playoff football has arrived in Philadelphia! The 13-3 Eagles begin their road to the Super Bowl this Saturday during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the 10-6 Atlanta Falcons. Put on some green apparel and catch the game either from the stands in South Philadelphia (if you're so lucky!) or at one of the area's many excellent sports bars. Fly, Eagles, fly!

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field

Treat yourself to a fantastic meal without breaking the bank during the always popular Center City District Restaurant Week. Enjoy a three-course dinner for $35 at some of the best restaurants in the city, as well as a $20 lunch at select restaurants. More than 100 restaurants — from Abe Fisher to Amada (above) to Harp and Crown to High Street on Market — are participating.

Center City District Restaurant Week

Every year, Philadelphia honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of giving back. Now in its 23rd year, the Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 15 is the largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in the country, with nearly 2,000 projects open for participation at venues ranging from the Awbury Arboretum to Girard College, the region’s service day hub.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

When:Monday, January 15

Where:Various locations including Girard College, 2101 South College Avenue

La Peg at FringeArts is bringing back the Pegsicle, a massive ice bar that will sit next to an ice sculpture garden (which is new this year!). Chef Peter will carve the Pegsicle live as warming winter cocktails are served up from the bar, and on Tuesday, January 16, guests can watch five local artists craft the sculptures for the garden. The bar will remain in action for as long as the ice remains.

Dilworth Park Wintergarden at City Hall

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The seasonal fun continues at City Hall, where Dilworth Park has been transformed into a true winter wonderland offering chances to explore (America's Garden Capital Maze) and ice skate in the shadow of City Hall (Rothman Institute Ice Rink). For those looking to hang out inside, the Rothman Institute Cabin is a great spot to warm up and enjoy winter treats. Ongoing special events continue this week, including the Tuesday evening Game Night and the Friday evening Karaoke Night.

Dilworth Park Wintergarden at City Hall

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

The popular Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest continues to bring the waterfront alive with a chalet-style Lodge Restaurant and Bar, hearty fare from Garces Group and Chickie's & Pete's, sweets from Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin and a regulation skating rink with a spectacular view of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Visitors should save the date for Saturday when Winterfest hosts A Snowy Bowie Skate featuring an afternoon of David Bowie-themed fun, including a screening of Labyrinth in the lodge and a soundtrack of Bowie tunes for skaters to enjoy on the rink.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The free, outdoor Winter Fountains exhibition illuminates the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this winter with a stunning nighttime display of surreal, glowing videos projected on to four large domes. The dazzling works — inspired by the Parkway's grand fountains — are a centerpiece exhibition of Parkway 100, the city's 14-month celebration commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the avenue's groundbreaking.

Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philly Loves Bowie

Few cities celebrate David Bowie like the City of Brotherly Love, where a 10-day celebration is underway in honor of the late rock legend. Events this week include a Bowie karaoke night at Johnny Brenda’s on Monday, a Bowie burlesque and cabaret show at Franky Bradley’s on Thursday and much, much more.

Philly Loves Bowie

Broadway Philadelphia’s Les Misérables at the Academy of Music

Photo by Matthew Murphy for Broadway Philadelphia

The Victor Hugo-by-way-of-Broadway musical smash Les Misérables brings the spirit of the French Revolution to the Academy of Music. Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, the production stands as the world's most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere as it carries out its 32nd year.

Broadway Philadelphia’s Les Misérables at the Academy of Music

The Philadelphia Orchestra: The British Isles Festival Week

Photo courtesy the Kimmel Center

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual winter festival kicks off this week, which this year takes audiences on a trip overseas to the British Isles. Performances will unfold Thursday through Saturday and include selections from MacMillan’s A Scotch Bestiary, Handel’s Water Music and Britten’s evocative Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes.

The Philadelphia Orchestra: The British Isles Festival Week

Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars at Merriam Theater

Photo courtesy the Kimmel Center

Discover the story of Cuban music at the Merriam Theater with Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, an orchestra delivering lively Cuban beats. Each performance brings an insight into Cuba’s rich musical history and the multiple musical genres it encompasses.

Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars at Merriam Theater

L.A. Dance Project at the Annenberg Center

Photo courtesy Annenberg Center For The Performing Arts

The L.A. dance project makes its Philly debut this week with two days of shows at the Annenberg Center. The collective, founded by Paris Opera Ballet director and former New York City Ballet principal Benjamin Millepied, brings an eclectic, contemporary-style performance to the stage.

L.A. Dance Project at the Annenberg Center

Big Philly Beerfest

It’s all about the beer at the fourth annual Big Philly Beerfest. Spread over two nights, this crowd-pleasing event celebrates more than 125 breweries and a ton of craft beer varieties. Another bonus: Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Partners.

Big Philly Beerfest

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend In Philadelphia

Photo by Visit Philadelphia

The upcoming extended weekend holds plenty to do, including special events of all sorts to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. and special admission deals at area museums. Click the button below to learn about all of our top picks for MLK Day weekend.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend In Philadelphia

When:January 12-15

Where:Various locations including The African American Museum, 701 Arch Street

Philly Home Show at Pennsylvania Convention Center

Looking for advice and inspiration on how to make your home the best and most beautiful it can be? Join 50,000 of your fellow homeowners at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the Philadelphia Home Show and take advantage of the hundreds of exhibitors and experts who will be on hand to help. Celebrity guests at the massive show this year include New York designer Tyler Wisler and Kevin O'Connor, the host of the award-winning PBS series This Old House and Ask This Old House.

Philly Home Show at Pennsylvania Convention Center

Dinosaur Days Featuring Tiny Titans Closing Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Photo by Mike Servedio for The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s Tiny Titans exhibition, featuring real dino eggs and nests from around the world, comes to a close on Monday, January 15. That coincides with the attraction's Dinosaur Days event (January 13-15), featuring an egg-dropping competition and opportunities to meet live reptiles.

Dinosaur Days Featuring Tiny Titans Closing Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences

When:Tiny Titans: Through Monday, January 15Dinosaur Days: January 13-15

Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary

Photo courtesy Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special readings of King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" three times a day (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) from January 13 to 15. An informal question-and-answer session moderated by a civil rights scholar will follow each reading, and on Monday, January 15, children ages 7 to 12 can create artwork in response to the letter. The events are free and open to the public.

Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary

Among His Troops: Washington’s War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor at the Museum of the American Revolution

Photo courtesy Museum of the American Revolution

One of the indisputable highlights of the Museum of the American Revolution, George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters tent will soon be complemented by a new, special exhibition featuring a 235-year-old, seven-foot panoramic painting. The watercolor depicts a 1782 Continental Army encampment and contains the only known wartime depiction of Washington’s headquarters tent, amidst hundreds of other military tents spread out across the lower Hudson Valley. The special exhibition will also bring together other works of art, weapons and artifacts from the Revolutionary War to explore the history surrounding the newly discovered painting.

Among His Troops: Washington’s War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor at the Museum of the American Revolution

Men’s College Basketball: Temple vs. Memphis at the Liacouras Center

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field

Photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles

Playoff football has arrived in Philadelphia! The 13-3 Eagles begin their road to the Super Bowl this Saturday during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the 10-6 Atlanta Falcons. Put on some green apparel and catch the game either from the stands in South Philadelphia (if you're so lucky!) or at one of the area's many excellent sports bars. Fly, Eagles, fly!

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field

Center City District Restaurant Week

Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

Treat yourself to a fantastic meal without breaking the bank during the always popular Center City District Restaurant Week. Enjoy a three-course dinner for $35 at some of the best restaurants in the city, as well as a $20 lunch at select restaurants. More than 100 restaurants — from Abe Fisher to Amada (above) to Harp and Crown to High Street on Market — are participating.

Center City District Restaurant Week

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Photo courtesy MLK Day Of Service

Every year, Philadelphia honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of giving back. Now in its 23rd year, the Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 15 is the largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in the country, with nearly 2,000 projects open for participation at venues ranging from the Awbury Arboretum to Girard College, the region’s service day hub.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

When:Monday, January 15

Where:Various locations including Girard College, 2101 South College Avenue

Pegsicle at FringeArts

La Peg at FringeArts is bringing back the Pegsicle, a massive ice bar that will sit next to an ice sculpture garden (which is new this year!). Chef Peter will carve the Pegsicle live as warming winter cocktails are served up from the bar, and on Tuesday, January 16, guests can watch five local artists craft the sculptures for the garden. The bar will remain in action for as long as the ice remains.